[Solitary iris metastasis from breast cancer. Effective local therapy with electron beam irradiation].

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of intraocular metastases from breast cancer is approximately 4-5%. Solitary metastases of the iris are rare. We report on successful treatment of a solitary iris metastasis using electron beam irradiation.

METHODS

A 30-year-old patient presented with an amelanotic tumor of the iris and the anterior chamber angle of her right amblyopic eye. The patient had undergone left-sided breast-conserving surgery and lymph node dissection 3 years before followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The iris tumor was considered a metastasis. Fractionated electron beam irradiation was performed applying a total dose of 50 Gy in fractions of 5 x 2 Gy/week, electrons (9 MeV). The iris metastasis was completely resolved 13 months after radiotherapy. Until now no signs of cataract have been detected and visual acuity has remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Electron beam irradiation of this iris metastasis was an effective treatment for preserving visual acuity and ocular function with tolerable acute toxicity and so far no adverse side effects.